The director shared the story behind the making of Paris, Texas, revealing that the process was one of immense joy, despite a rocky start. The film’s script underwent 44 drafts before it came to life. He recalled how the arrival of Harry Dean Stanton, who played the lead role of Travis, was the turning point. Wim Wenders was also visibly excited to be able to engage with the audience, something he hadn’t initially planned for. When he learned he wouldn’t be present for a Q&A after the screening, he decided to stay and chat with the audience instead—prompting cheers and applause from the crowd.
The screening itself featured the film’s restored version, and the audience was captivated by its timeless emotional depth. Even after 40 years, Paris, Texas retains its ability to resonate deeply with viewers. The film’s haunting depiction of alienation and a man’s search for meaning is as powerful now as it was at its release. Travis, a broken man who appears in the vast Texas desert, remains an enigma throughout the film. His quiet, withdrawn nature contrasts with his desperate need for connection as he journeys back to Los Angeles. As he reunites with his brother Walt and son Hunter, his silence only deepens the mystery. The film offers no easy answers, and the director masterfully weaves an emotional odyssey through Travis’ search for himself and his place in the world.
In a discussion that followed the screening, Wenders elaborated on his approach to filmmaking, emphasizing his interest in creating films that engage directly with viewers. He reflected on how an American producer once suggested an alternate ending for Paris, Texas, where Travis would take a U-turn. Wenders rejected this idea, believing it would compromise the essence of his film. He insisted that Travis’ journey—his need to disconnect from his past—was central to the story, and that it needed to unfold authentically.
As Wenders spoke, his warm presence and genuine engagement with the audience became apparent. His openness and humility were clear as he took the time to respond thoughtfully to each question. He explained that for him, the truth within a film must be respected, and that if a film doesn’t stay true to its own essence, it loses its power. The filmmaker’s connection with his audience was palpable, and as he concluded the evening, he reassured them that there is always hope in the quest for meaning, as long as one is willing to keep searching.
Wenders may have created a film that leaves its characters in a state of unresolved longing, but through his own words and presence, he left the audience with the understanding that the search for fulfillment and self-realization is a journey worth embarking on—one that continues long after the credits roll.
